Clyde Cumben, M.B.
Ernest Lloyd Maidment, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
First Mate Cumben and Seaman Maidment rescued two men from the North Atlantic Ocean off Newfoundland on January 19, 1992. Crew members on the fishing vessel Zandberg, they received a radio message asking for assistance in rescuing two persons who were in the life-raft of a downed aircraft. As soon as the Zandberg reached the site, Messrs. Cumben and Maidment volunteered to use a lifeboat to reach the stranded men. In deteriorating weather conditions, the lifeboat was lowered into the swell and the two fishermen managed to grab the raft. Because the victims were unable to help themselves, Mr. Cumben used all his strength to lift each survivor from the raft to the lifeboat while Mr. Maidment held fast the raft. The rescuers were able to come alongside the Zandberg and the lifeboat was then hoisted aboard, where the survivors were treated for hypothermia.